Tarsus Reports First Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Recent Business Achievements

Rhea-AI Summary

Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. reported a successful first quarter of 2024, with $24.7 million in net product sales of XDEMVY, an 89% increase over the previous quarter. The company delivered approximately 26,000 bottles of XDEMVY to patients, expanded its sales force, secured multiple commercial payer contracts, and strengthened its financial position with a public equity offering and financing commitment. Tarsus remains on-track for broad commercial coverage by the end of 2024 and Medicare coverage in 2025. The company continues to advance its pipeline and engage with the FDA on new treatments. Despite positive revenue growth, Tarsus saw an increase in net loss due to higher expenses, primarily in research and development as well as selling, general, and administrative costs.

Positive

• Tarsus Pharmaceuticals reported a substantial 89% increase in net product sales of XDEMVY in the first quarter of 2024, generating $24.7 million in revenue.

• The company delivered around 26,000 bottles of XDEMVY to patients, marking a 65% increase over the previous quarter.

• Tarsus secured several commercial payer contracts, including two major plans with about 18 million covered lives, further enhancing market access for XDEMVY.

• The company expanded its sales force and remains on track to achieve broad commercial coverage by the end of 2024 and Medicare coverage in 2025.

• Tarsus strengthened its financial position by conducting an approximately $108 million public equity offering and securing a $200 million financing commitment, bolstering its capital resources.

Negative

• Despite revenue growth, Tarsus saw an increase in net loss in the first quarter of 2024, with a net loss of $35.7 million compared to $23.4 million in the same period in 2023.

• Research and development expenses were $12.1 million for the quarter, with selling, general, and administrative expenses totaling $51.6 million, contributing to the overall increased net loss for the company.

• The basic and diluted net loss per share for the quarter ended March 31, 2024, was $(1.01), compared to $(0.88) for the same period in 2023, indicating a decline in earnings per share.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The impressive 89% increase in net product sales to $24.7 million this quarter signals Tarsus Pharmaceuticals' ability to effectively scale the commercialization of XDEMVY. The strategic move to secure commercial payer contracts and the expected Medicare coverage by 2025 could foster a sustainable revenue stream. Notably, the sales force expansion aligns with a growth-focused approach, potentially driving future sales and market penetration. With a strong cash position at $298.5 million, including recent capital from a public offering, Tarsus appears well-capitalized for ongoing R&D and commercial activities. However, the substantial increase in SG&A expenses to $51.6 million, primarily due to launch and personnel expenses, has contributed to a widened net loss of $35.7 million. Investors should consider the balance between aggressive investment in growth and the path to profitability.

Market Research Analyst

The launch of the 'Mite Party' campaign for XDEMVY demonstrates Tarsus' focus on market penetration and brand awareness, important for long-term success in the fiercely competitive pharmaceutical market. The 65% increase in delivered product volume reflects well-executed marketing and sales strategies. The commitment to expand payer coverage, including Medicare, is likely to enhance market access, important for patient adoption. However, while the company experiences significant growth, the large marketing spend raises questions on long-term cost-effectiveness and the necessity to track ROI meticulously.

Healthcare Industry Analyst

Tarsus' steady progress in securing strategic payer contracts marks a pivotal advancement in ensuring broad access to XDEMVY. The company's anticipation of Medicare coverage could be a game-changer, potentially opening avenues to a significant patient demographic. The firm's investment in expanding its sales force is a testament to the confidence in its product pipeline and commercial viability. The concurrent advancement of other products, like TP-03 and TP-04, highlights a diverse portfolio and the potential for multiple streams of revenue. However, the cost associated with these expansions, against current net losses, should be carefully scrutinized by investors for sustainability.

Generated $24.7 million in net product sales of XDEMVY^®, an 89% increase over Q4 2023, and delivered approximately 26,000 bottles of XDEMVY to patients

Secured multiple commercial payer contracts and remain on-track for broad commercial coverage by the end of 2024 and Medicare coverage beginning in 2025

Expanded sales force on-track to be in the field by the end of the third quarter 2024

Strengthened financial position with an approximately $108 million public equity offering and $200 million financing commitment

Management to host conference call today, May 8, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. P.T. / 4:30 p.m. E.T.

IRVINE, Calif., May 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: TARS), whose mission is to focus on unmet needs and apply proven science and new technology to revolutionize treatment for patients, starting with eye care, today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2024.

“This was another tremendous quarter for Tarsus as we continued building a new category in eye care to serve millions of Demodex blepharitis patients with XDEMVY,” said Bobak Azamian, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Tarsus. “Our team continues to grow eye care provider adoption at an encouraging rate and enable patient access through payer contracting, and our strong balance sheet enables us to expand our sales force and continue accelerating our launch trajectory. We look forward to continuing to demonstrate our executional strength as we deliver on our mission of creating new categories in eye care and beyond.”

Recent Business Highlights

• The Company continues to execute on the commercial launch of XDEMVY in the first quarter
  • Generated $24.7 million in XDEMVY net product sales, an 89% increase over Q4 2023
  • Delivered approximately 26,000 bottles of XDEMVY to patients, an increase of 65% over Q4 2023
  • More than 8,000 ECPs, as of May 3, 2024, have started patients on XDEMVY since launch with more than 50% of ECPs prescribing XDEMVY to multiple patients
  • As expected, gross-to-net discounts remained consistent at approximately 55% given the impact of typical first quarter dynamics on net sales

• Launched the "Mite Party" campaign, a dynamic, multi-channel consumer marketing campaign for XDEMVY designed to elevate consumer awareness of Demodex blepharitis through relatable messaging and compelling visuals

• Continued to expand payer coverage of XDEMVY
  
  • Secured several contracts, including two major commercial plans with approximately 18 million covered lives that placed XDEMVY on preferred status, and expect to begin recognizing the benefits of these contracts in Q2 2024
  • Remain on-track for expected broad commercial coverage by the end of 2024 and Medicare coverage beginning in 2025
    

• On-track with plans to deploy approximately 50 additional sales force representatives and leaders by the end of Q3 2024
  

• Two additional independent meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (Akhtar et al. and Talha et al.), now four in total, demonstrating the efficacy of XDEMVY were published in peer-reviewed journals

• Continuing to advance the pipeline and on-track with plans to engage with the FDA on TP-03 (Meibomian Gland Disease), TP-04 (Papulopustular Rosacea) and TP-05 (Lyme disease prevention) by year end 2024
  

• Secured $200 million non-dilutive credit facility in April 2024
  
  • Elected to draw $75 million at the close, providing approximately $40 million net after the repayment of the previous facility

First Quarter 2024 Financial Results

• First quarter revenues were $27.6 million, driven primarily by $24.7 million in net product sales, and $2.9 million in license fees and collaboration revenue.

• Cost of sales were $1.7 million, due to manufacturing costs incurred after the approval of XDEMVY, the royalty we pay on net product sales and the amortization of the $4.0 million approval milestone we paid to our licensor and are amortizing over a 10-year period.

• Research and development (R&D) expenses were $12.1 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $12.4 million for the same period in 2023. The decrease was due to $1.6 million less program spend for TP-05 and $1.0 million less in Elanco milestone expenses, partially offset by $1.5 million of payroll expense (including non-cash stock-based compensation). Total R&D non-cash stock compensation expense incurred in the first quarter of 2024, was $1.5 million, compared with $1.2 million in the same period in 2023.

• Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses were $51.6 million for the first quarter of 2024 compared to $15.1 million for the same period in 2023. The increase was due primarily to $11.3 million of payroll and personnel-related expense (including non-cash stock-based compensation) and $12.2 million of commercial and market research costs related to our commercial launch of XDEMVY, $12.7 million of increased IT applications, legal, professional and other corporate expenses. Total SG&A non-cash stock compensation expense incurred in the first quarter of 2024, was $3.9 million, compared with $2.7 million in the same period in 2023.

• Net loss for the first quarter of 2024 was $35.7 million, compared to a net loss of $23.4 million for the same period in 2023. Basic and diluted net loss per share for the quarter ended March 31, 2024 was $(1.01), compared with $(0.88) for the same period in 2023.

• As of March 31, 2024, cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities were $298.5 million, which includes the receipt of approximately $108 million of net proceeds received from our follow-on offering completed in March 2024.

Conference Call and Webcast
Tarsus will host a conference call and webcast to discuss its first quarter 2024 financial results and business highlights today, May 8, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. P.T. / 4:30 p.m. ET. A live webcast will be available on the events section of the Tarsus website. A recorded version of the call will be available on the website shortly after the completion of the call and will be archived there for at least 90 days.

About XDEMVY^®
XDEMVY (lotilaner ophthalmic solution) 0.25%, formerly known as TP-03, is a novel prescription eye drop designed to treat Demodex blepharitis by targeting and eradicating the root cause of the disease – Demodex mite infestation. XDEMVY was evaluated in two pivotal trials collectively involving more than 800 patients. Both trials met the primary endpoint and all secondary endpoints, with statistical significance and no serious treatment-related adverse events. Most patients found the XDEMVY eye drop to be neutral to very comfortable. The most common ocular adverse reactions observed in the studies were instillation site stinging and burning which was reported in 10% of patients. Other ocular adverse reactions reported by less than 2% of patients were chalazion/hordeolum (stye) and punctate keratitis.

XDEMVY Indication and Important Safety Information

INDICATIONS AND USAGE
XDEMVY is indicated for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis.

Most common side effects: The most common side effect in clinical trials was stinging and burning in 10% of patients. Other side effects in less than 2% of patients were chalazion/hordeolum and punctate keratitis.

For additional information, please see full prescribing information available at: https://xdemvy.com/.

About TP-03
TP-03 (lotilaner ophthalmic solution) 0.25% is a novel therapeutic designed to treat Demodex blepharitis by targeting and eradicating the root cause of disease – Demodex mite infestation. It was approved by the FDA in 2023 under the brand name XDEMVY® for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis and is being evaluated as an investigational therapy for the treatment of Meibomian Gland Disease (MGD) in patients with Demodex mites. Lotilaner is a well-characterized anti-parasitic agent that paralyzes and eradicates Demodex mites by selectively inhibiting parasite-specific gamma-aminobutyric acid-gated chloride (GABA-Cl) channels. It is a highly lipophilic molecule, which may promote its uptake in the oily sebum of the eye lash follicles where the mites reside.

About TP-04
TP-04 is an aqueous gel formulation of lotilaner, a well-characterized anti-parasitic agent that paralyzes and kills ticks by selectively inhibiting parasite-specific GABA-Cl channels. Tarsus is studying TP-04 for the treatment of papulopustular rosacea (PPR).

About TP-05
TP-05 is an oral systemic formulation of lotilaner, a well-characterized anti-parasitic agent that selectively inhibits parasite-specific GABA-Cl channels. TP-05 is believed to be the only non-vaccine, drug-based, preventative therapeutic in development designed to kill ticks to potentially prevent Lyme disease transmission.

About Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. applies proven science and new technology to revolutionize treatment for patients, starting with eye care. Tarsus is advancing its pipeline to address several diseases with high unmet need across a range of therapeutic categories, including eye care, dermatology, and infectious disease prevention. XDEMVY (lotilaner ophthalmic solution) 0.25% is FDA approved in the United States for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. Tarsus is also developing TP-03 as an investigational therapy for the treatment of Meibomian Gland Disease, TP-04 for the treatment of rosacea and TP-05 as an oral tablet for the prevention of Lyme disease, all of which are in Phase 2.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this earnings release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements.” These statements include statements regarding the potential commercial success and growth of XDEMVY in Demodex blepharitis, including market size, acceptance, demand, prescription fill rate and adoption rate for XDEMVY; our ability to successfully implement our sales force expansion; our ability to achieve distribution and patient access for XDEMVY and timing and breadth of payer coverage; our ability to continue to educate the market about Demodex blepharitis, the timing, objectives, and results of the clinical trials including the complete clinical results of the Ersa, Carpo, and Galatea trials, anticipated regulatory and development milestones, our ability to continue investing in our business, and the quotations of Tarsus’ management. The words, without limitation, “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “will,” or “would,” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these or similar identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include: Tarsus is heavily dependent on the successful commercialization of its lead product, XDEMVY for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis and the development and regulatory approval and commercialization of its current and future product candidates; Tarsus’ ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval for and successfully commercialize its products, including XDEMVY for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis, and its product candidates to meet existing and future regulatory standards; Tarsus has incurred significant losses and negative cash flows from operations since inception and anticipates that it will continue to incur significant expenses and losses for the foreseeable future; Tarsus’ capital requirements are difficult to predict and may change; Tarsus may need to obtain additional funding to achieve its goals and a failure to obtain this necessary capital when needed on acceptable terms, or at all, could force Tarsus to delay, reduce, or eliminate its product development programs, commercialization efforts or other operations; Tarsus may not be successful in educating healthcare professionals and the market about the need for treatments specifically for Demodex blepharitis and other diseases targeted by XDEMVY or our product candidates; the development and commercialization of Tarsus products is dependent on intellectual property it licenses from Elanco Tiergesundheit AG; Tarsus expects to expand its development, regulatory, operational and sales and marketing capabilities and Tarsus may encounter difficulties in managing its growth, which could disrupt its operations; the sizes of the market opportunity for XDEMVY and Tarsus’ product candidates, particularly TP-03 for the treatment of MGD, TP-04 for the treatment of Rosacea, as well as TP-05 for the prevention of Lyme disease, have not been established with precision and may be smaller than estimated; the results of Tarsus’ earlier studies and trials may not be predictive of future results; any termination or suspension of, or delays in the commencement or completion of, Tarsus’ planned clinical trials could result in increased costs, delay or limit its ability to generate revenue and adversely affect its commercial prospects; if Tarsus is unable to obtain and maintain sufficient intellectual property protection for its product candidates, or if the scope of the intellectual property protection is not sufficiently broad, Tarsus’ competitors could develop and commercialize products similar or identical to Tarsus’ products; and if Tarsus is unable to access capital (including but not limited to cash, cash equivalents, and credit facilities) and/or loses capital, as a result of potential failure of any financial institutions that Tarsus does business with directly or indirectly. Further, there are other risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements and they are detailed from time to time in the reports Tarsus files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Tarsus’ Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 filed on February 27, 2024 and the most recent Form 10-Q quarterly filing filed with the SEC, which Tarsus incorporates by reference into this press release, copies of which are posted on its website and are available from Tarsus without charge. However, new risk factors and uncertainties may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible to predict all risk factors and uncertainties. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this earnings release are based on the current expectations of Tarsus’ management team and speak only as of the date hereof, and Tarsus specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Media Contact:
Adrienne Kemp
Sr. Director, Corporate Communications
(949) 922-0801
akemp@tarsusrx.com
Investor Contact:
David Nakasone
Head of Investor Relations
(949) 620-3223
DNakasone@tarsusrx.com

TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(unaudited)
		Three Months Ended March 31,
			2024				2023
Revenues:
Product sales, net		$	24,720			$	—
License fees and collaboration revenue			2,894				2,500
Total revenues			27,614				2,500
Operating expenses:
Cost of sales			1,654				—
Research and development			12,066				12,356
Selling, general and administrative			51,578				15,096
Total operating expenses			65,298				27,452
Loss from operations before other income (expense)			(37,684	)			(24,952	)
Other income (expense):
Interest income			3,117				2,293
Interest expense			(983	)			(684	)
Other income, net			605				6
Unrealized loss on equity investments			(585	)			(65	)
Change in fair value of equity warrants issued by licensee			(201	)			(17	)
Total other income, net			1,953				1,533
Net loss		$	(35,731	)		$	(23,419	)
Other comprehensive loss:
Unrealized (loss) gain on marketable securities and cash equivalents			(61	)			4
Comprehensive loss		$	(35,792	)		$	(23,415	)
Net loss per share, basic and diluted		$	(1.01	)		$	(0.88	)
Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic and diluted			35,300,655				26,742,023

TARSUS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC.
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and par value amounts)
		March 31, 2024				December 31, 2023
		(unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	193,705			$	224,947
Marketable securities			104,819				2,495
Accounts receivable, net			29,885				16,621
Inventory			4,036				3,107
Other receivables			1,476				1,093
Prepaid expenses			6,803				7,868
Total current assets			340,724				256,131
Property and equipment, net			1,338				1,468
Intangible assets, net			3,767				3,867
Operating lease right-of-use assets			2,132				1,880
Long-term investments			—				631
Other assets			1,317				1,514
Total assets		$	349,278			$	265,491
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities		$	36,570			$	23,691
Accrued payroll and benefits			5,958				13,245
Total current liabilities			42,528				36,936
Term loan, net			29,933				29,819
Other long-term liabilities			1,606				1,748
Total liabilities			74,067				68,503
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value; 10,000,000 authorized; no shares issued and outstanding			—				—
Common stock, $0.0001 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized; 37,749,468 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2024 (unaudited); 34,211,190 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2023			6				5
Additional paid-in capital			555,655				441,641
Accumulated other comprehensive loss			(63	)			(2	)
Accumulated deficit			(280,387	)			(244,656	)
Total stockholders’ equity			275,211				196,988
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	349,278			$	265,491

 

FAQ

How much did Tarsus generate in net product sales in the first quarter of 2024?

Tarsus Pharmaceuticals generated $24.7 million in net product sales in the first quarter of 2024, marking an 89% increase over the previous quarter.

When is Tarsus expected to achieve broad commercial coverage for XDEMVY?

Tarsus is on track to achieve broad commercial coverage for XDEMVY by the end of 2024 and Medicare coverage beginning in 2025.

What was the net loss for Tarsus in the first quarter of 2024?

Tarsus reported a net loss of $35.7 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared to $23.4 million in the same period in 2023.

How did Tarsus strengthen its financial position?

Tarsus strengthened its financial position through a $108 million public equity offering and securing a $200 million financing commitment in the first quarter of 2024.